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Optimization of coag-flocculation processes of a newly synthesized quaternized oil palm empty fruit bunch cellulose by response surface methodology toward drinking water treatment process application

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Abstract

An optimization of coagulation and flocculation of kaolin suspension by a newly synthesized quaternized oil palm empty fruit bunch cellulose denoted as a 9QC was investigated using the central composite design of the response surface methodology. The influences of coag-flocculant dosage, pH, and kaolin suspension on turbidity removal efficiency and sludge volume index responses were studied and assessed according to a 23 full factorial design. The developed quadratic models revealed that the overall optimum values to obtain the highest performance of the responses were 62.5 mg/L of coag-flocculant dosage, pH 7, and 1400 mg/L of kaolin concentration. The predicted optimum responses were found to be in close proximity to the observed responses. The coag-flocculating of river water using 9QC carried out at the optimum values showed encouraging results as compared to alum which is commonly used in drinking water treatment process.

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Acknowledgments

The financial supports from: the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia for the MyBrain15 scholarship, and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia, for the eScience Fund (Project No. 03-01-06-SF114/4S071) are gratefully acknowledged. The technical supports from the Syarikat Air Johor (SAJ) Sdn. Bhd. (Johor, Malaysia) and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn. Bhd. (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) are also gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

    Safia Syazana Mohtar, Tengku Nur Zulaikha Tengku Malim Busu, Ahmad Mujahid Md. Noor, Norsalliana Shaari, Nor Aida Yusoff, Mohd Azizi Che Yunus & Hanapi Mat

  2. Advanced Materials and Separation Technologies (AMSET) Research Group, Health and Wellness Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

    Hanapi Mat

  3. Center of Lipids Engineering Applied Research (CLEAR), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

    Mohd Azizi Che Yunus

Authors
  1. Safia Syazana Mohtar
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  2. Tengku Nur Zulaikha Tengku Malim Busu
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  3. Ahmad Mujahid Md. Noor
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  4. Norsalliana Shaari
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  5. Nor Aida Yusoff
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  6. Mohd Azizi Che Yunus
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  7. Hanapi Mat
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Correspondence to Hanapi Mat.

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Mohtar, S.S., Tengku Malim Busu, T.N.Z., Md. Noor, A.M. et al. Optimization of coag-flocculation processes of a newly synthesized quaternized oil palm empty fruit bunch cellulose by response surface methodology toward drinking water treatment process application. Clean Techn Environ Policy 19, 191–204 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-016-1221-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-016-1221-0

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